Jan. 6, 2022

Gov. Tim Walz says he thinks the current spike in COVID-19 cases will likely peak in the next few weeks, even as new cases continue to be high in the state.

Speaking at a new community testing site in Anoka earlier today, Walz said the state is expanding testing, including an immediate doubling of capacity at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown St. Paul (temporarily relocated to the RiverCentre through Jan. 6).

Walz said those wishing to get a COVID test should try to make an appointment through the state's Minnesota COVID-19 response page. That includes the new site in Anoka, which opens tomorrow. It’s one of three new testing sites that will be run by the Minnesota National Guard. One more will open in North Branch and another in Cottage Grove.

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COVID claims Twin Cities writer, activist Mel Reeves

Reeves, 64, spent decades chronicling and participating in the region’s protest movements. The publisher of the Spokesman-Recorder, where he worked as community editor, said Reeves embodied the newspaper’s tradition as a "voice for the voiceless."

President Biden blasts Trump for 'spreading a web of lies' in a Jan. 6 speech

Thursday marks one year since a mob of supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building hoping to block lawmakers from certifying President Joe Biden's 2020 election win.

A year after Jan. 6, divisions and disinformation persist

It's notable how much hasn't changed in a year. Democratic officeholders are ringing alarm bells about the future of democracy while many Republicans are silent.

'America’s government teacher' reflects on the events of Jan. 6

"We will remember this day for the rest of American history," said Sharon McMahon, a former high school civics teacher in Duluth, Minn. McMahon has over 700,000 followers on Instagram where she debunks myths and teaches about government.

Lake Superior surfers brave frigid weather for giant freshwater waves

Subzero wind chills didn't stop dozens of surfers from flocking to Stoney Point this week, a well-known surf spot about 15 miles up the shore of Lake Superior from Duluth, for surf conditions they say were the best in years.

Subzero temps early Friday; extreme Yukon cold may be coming

A pool of brutally subzero air will likely be driven into Minnesota and the Upper Midwest this month. And we’re already tapping pieces of that air mass as they ride southeast. Subzero air covers all of Minnesota early Friday.

An 18-year-old is charged in Mall of America shooting

Kahlil M. Wiley of St. Paul has been charged in connection with the New Year's Eve shooting at the Mall of America, which left two peopled wounded.

Minnesota AG Ellison quarantining outside U.S. with COVID-19

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he’s quarantining outside the country after testing positive for COVID-19. In a statement Wednesday night, Ellison said he was experiencing only mild symptoms thanks to having been vaccinated and boosted.

COVID testing FAQ: When to test, which kind of test and what your results mean

Key questions about COVID tests: What types are there? Should you self-test right after exposure to someone with COVID? And what should you do if you test positive?

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A potter revered in Japan finally gets a show in U.S.

Galleries and museums often hype its exhibits, pointing to a unique element to double down on a show’s exclusive nature. The Minneapolis Institute of Art didn’t have to try hard for one of its latest exhibits: ceramic work by Kamoda Shoji.

What you should keep in your car (and other ways to prepare for winter driving)

Having an emergency kit filled with first aid supplies, water and snacks is an important first step to keeping safe, and sane, if you find yourself stuck on the road. A well-maintained car helps, too.

3 other cops in George Floyd's death to stand trial this month

Three former Minneapolis police officers charged with federal civil rights violations in George Floyd’s death will go on trial Jan. 20. The trial date was given Thursday in a docket filing, with proceedings to be held in St. Paul.

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